European Community (Council of Ministers)

HC Deb 24 July 1985 vol 83 cc584-5W

30. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet his European Economic Community counterparts in the Council of Ministers to discuss the consequences of the discussions held at the recent Milan summit meeting of the European Council.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Follow-up to the Milan European Council was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 and 23 July, which I attended.

49. Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on further progress towards majority voting in the Council of Ministers.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

It is generally accepted that if decisions are not to be unduly delayed in the enlarged Community greater use will need to be made of the voting provisions of the European Community treaty. This will be one of the issues to be discussed at the proposed intergovernmental conference.